Lost In Purple
Chapter 84: Aqua's Strike
Updated Author's Note: A slight warning on this chapter, it's kind of vivid and contains some mature themes. Sorry for forgetting to place this warning originally.
Johnny's POV
THE NEXT DAY...
"Please tell me that you haven't made something too fancy," I state while marching into the kitchen.
The cabinets are painted white and made of wood, giving the room a cozy cabin kind of feel. The handles and knobs of all the cabinets are made of black alloy-metal, and the details of the wooden doors are so intricate that they could only be described as baroque. There's two stoves, a refrigerator larger than me, wine glass cabinets, two sinks, two dishwashers, and a pantry that could fit an entire stores stock in it. Additionally, there's an island in the center of the room that has many other drawers and cabinets underneath it, and a glass chandelier above it. All of it is lit up with the summer afternoons light blasting in through the windows that reveal our several acre backyard filled with various flowers, topiary, pool, and outdoor furniture ranging from porch swings, a fire pit, and tables with umbrellas.
"Ooooo look at you! So handsome!" Mother beams.
Grrrrr! I should be the one praising looks! She's the one who put on one of her designer red dresses that wraps around her torso and shows off one of her legs. She even put on red high heels, red lipstick and red eyeliner after curling her fur and looking like a model on the runway.
"I'm serious! Neither they or I will be happy if you have us eating oysters or caviar or goat cheese risotto. Not only are those disgusting, they aren't foods that they'll be comfortable eating," I say returning back to the original subject.
Mother starts placing her claws in my fur and using them as combs. She literally doesn't have to do that. I took a shower, maintained my horns, and combed my fur to make sure it's not messy, but apparently that isn't enough for a diva like herself.
"But all of those are good! Wouldn't you think that Melanie's parents would be happy eating such elegant dishes?" Mother replies.
My fingers find their way in between my eyes. "I swear to go-"
"Stop worrying, Jonathan," Mother laughs, "I made a Winter Salad with cranberries, apple, cheese, mixed greens, and white balsamic vinaigrette, Watermelon Gazpacho because you said Melanie likes fruit, and Wagyu Filet Mignon plated with Rice Pilaf."
Everything that just escaped her mouth stuns me. All the sentences that were quickly planned in my head become tangled and drenched in worry. "Wh…eh…er…mother?"
"What? Why are you looking at me like that, kitten?" Mom asks.
"Do you even know how…fancy all that is?!" I exclaim while looking at her work that's placed on the black granite kitchen counters.
It all looks very good. So good that it reminds me of the past two decades of consciousness I've had where we've only ate seafood or tiny portions of the driest and blandest meats. She clearly stepped up her game to compete with Evelyn's cooking. Hold on, did she cook all of this while dressed like that?
"Jonathan, this isn't fancy," Mother replies sounding like a know-it-all.
"Yes it is!" I howl, "Only the upper class can afford to eat Wagyu beef! I shouldn't even have to explain this! Your salad and gazpacho are on gourmet level presentation too!"
"…Oh," Mother spouts while bringing her hand up to her mouth, "I'm sorry, I didn't know. I just tried to make something that they would like without upsetting your father."
"Why is everything about him?! Grrrrrrrr, they're going to be so uncomfortable and feel undeserving of this," I groan.
Mother reaches for my face and grabs ahold of my cheeks. "Oh you're so dramatic, just like your father. They'll be fine…I hope. It sounds like I'm not as good of a cook as either Melanie or her mother, but I promise this will be better than the usual meal around here."
"That doesn't help. Melanie's going to go on and on about me being a rich boy," I respond.
"Oh don't be self conscious. I bet she teases you because she loves you," Mother chuckles.
I then take a few steps towards the dining room. "Say whatever you like. All I want is for her to feel like she belongs, but I don't think that will happen now, especially since Dad is in a mood."
The cheerfulness within her disappears and is replaced with a sad sort of hollowness that anyone could hear in her voice. "Well yeah…that's what happens when we take him away from work."
When I finally make it out of the kitchen, I hear my mother holler to me. "Oh, Jonathan! Could you go fetch your grandfather! I went and picked him up this morning but he's already fallen asleep. He'd really like to join us for dinner!"
Melanie's POV
That household eventually stops moving outside the passenger side window and we both exit our car to stand in front of the roundabout driveways' three level fountain surrounded by purple and pink roses. The mansion being made of many colored stone bricks, ranging from white to black, shines radiantly as the afternoon sun begins to move downwards. The topiary and many kinds of bushes that line the house sit patiently waiting for a breeze to roll through and spice up the atmosphere. I would wager that this mansion cost Johnny's family tens of millions of dollars based off the fact that it's three stories and is the size of an office building downtown. I honestly wonder why a house this large is necessary too. Does his family even use all the rooms in it? Oh wait, maybe the rooms are three times larger than normal and his family needs room to store all there stuff.
Regardless of what the house looks like, the three of us find ourselves standing in front of it and looking up at it as if it were a symbol of this nation's prosperity. By technicality, it is. The Worthington Family is one of the richest and most legendary Scaring families out of the trillions there are in the monster world. Just thinking about it makes us think that we'll get in trouble by just existing at this exact moment.
"Oh Ronan, you always do such a shoddy job at tying that bow-tie," Mom says interrupting our awe.
"Evelyn, please. I couldn't care less if they judge me for how perfectly I tie a bow-tie," Ronan replies as he tries to push mom away.
They show off the cutest exchanges when mom evades dad's defenses and tears off his bow tie. The grunt dad makes when she throws it back over his neck and re-ties it makes me smile uncontrollably that I completely forget about how nervous I got within the last few hours. At first I was fine with doing this, but then I remembered that I haven't ever actually met Johnny's dad before. He's the one that's been actively trying to keep Johnny and I apart, and I shouldn't even have to explain how his philosophy of life is very strict and discriminatory. Just thinking about how he'll be expecting someone greater than I am only makes me terrified for this to happen.
"There. That feels better doesn't it, handsome?" Mom questions while patting my Dad's head.
"Yeah, sure," Dad responds with droopy ears.
I guess that one embarrassed him. I understand since mom is treating him like a seven year old going to church on Sundays. Uncomfortable formal wear, heavily combed mane, constant reminders to be on his best behavior. The poor man is tired of it all and would just like to be free from that old tuxedo undershirt. He probably isn't excited to be around Johnny's dad either; I've only talked about his awful personality on multiple occasions.
"How about you, Melody? Does that dress still feel alright?" Mom asks after twisting in my direction.
I'm wearing the same dress that I did to the spring formal, the one that Johnny's mom gave me. It's still kind of funny how it was originally made to be some sort of informal bridal dress, but I've only ever used it for other purposes.
"Yeah, I still love it," I respond.
Mom runs her hands down the silhouette, letting it flow in the air and gently return to a stationary position. "Good. I'm sorry that I can't wear a dress with you. I've just never gotten a chance at getting one for free like you."
"It's ok. Maybe one day we can get you one that you like too," I daydream.
She's currently wearing a cheap black suit jacket with some fake jewelry that aesthetically matches. She reminds me of those scary business women dressed for a meeting of some sort and she's the important employee that could ruin your life. She also had time to put on makeup unlike me.
"Are you sure you want to put on some makeup too? I don't think Jonathan will care if you just skip that part," Mom states while combing her claws through my mane.
"Y-yeah. I…I don't think it's…um, appropriate to not wear any this time," I stammer.
"Do you need help or can you do it yourself?" Mom asks further.
"Um…I'll have Johnny take me to their nearest bathroom and do it myself," I answer hesitantly.
Mom glares at me with worry and lets out a sigh. "Alright…Just be quick."
She then grabs my hand and positions me beside dad. After that, she pushes us up the walkway to the front door before placing force on the doorbell. It rings fiercely throughout the house, leaving us in silence for a little while. It seems we're all still a little unsure about this.
The silence is then broken by the sound of the heavy front door swinging open to Johnny's mother. Her red dress hugs her hourglass figure and the red makeup creates lots of contrast to her white, feline fur. Her fur sways with the draft, and her whiskers also shine as the lights inside the house reflect light off of them.
She gasps and becomes indescribably excited when she sees us three patiently waiting to enter the mansion. "Oh Melody, I'm so happy to see you! And your parents look lovely, I'm happy to officially meet you two. I hope the drive wasn't too bad, I know it takes a long time to get from Cormeadow to Thornberry."
God it's weird. My mom and Johnny's mom have, like, the same personality. The way they act and talk when meeting someone by being overwhelmingly nice and talkative is so similar that it's scary. There's also a hint of nervousness behind their voices that's so easily observed that it's not even funny.
"Come in, I'm sure Jonathan is dying to see you three," Johnny's mother directs.
My dad lets my mom and I enter first before Walking into the new environment himself and watching Johnny's mom shut the door behind him. The grand entrance greets us with several chandeliers glistening nearly twenty feet above. They light the white walls decorated with gothic columns and dark wooden trims that are sporadically and symmetrically placed. The floor below contains tiles that span into several other rooms with massive archways in every direction as well as a flight of stairs that would bring us to an even bigger second and third floor.
Jonathan's mom reaches out for handshakes with my parents, which they gladly take due to her joyful nature. "I'm Shirley, Jonathan's mother. I've had the pleasure to meet your daughter a little while ago and I hope I didn't make too bad of a first impression."
"Oh you already met her, Moondrop?" Dad asks.
"Oh, yeah. I must have forgotten to tell you that she visited the ROR house before the Spring Formal. Sorry," I squeak.
Shirley finds a way to squeeze back into the conversation. "Oh it's no problem. That night was a very busy one for you, and so were the next few days for everyone. Jonathan had to study a lot that week since it was his last final exam."
"Oh yes, Melody told us all about how he did when she came home. I'm guessing he did just as well as you did when you were in school?" Mom chimes in.
"Pffft, you flatter me," Shirley blushes while bringing her hand up to her chest, "I'm more than certain he did better than I ever could. I would even wager that I wouldn't make it through the exams nowadays, they've changed so much in the last few years."
"What? You? The one who broke records on the scare floor?" Dad smiles.
"I might be underestimating my abilities after such a long time away from the Scare Floor, but Jonathan's a much scarier monster than I. He gets it from his father," Shirley divulges.
It seems that they've already started trying to bond by talking about Scaring. I knew it was bound to happen though. Once a Scarer always a Scarer; At heart, they're all the same monsters with similar skills. With them talking, I take the chance to enter my own little world and familiarize myself with this place. I've never been comfortable going to new places because I'm terrified of getting lost and then having to explain to others why I'm lost. It seems like the rooms on the right are various living rooms, game rooms, or offices. The hallways next to the stairs in front of us lead to a home library, and the hallway to the left leads to the family room and dining room. I'm guessing that's where we'll be going.
"Oh, Melody, don't you need to use the restroom to freshen up?" Mom reminds me.
I'm surprised to hear this at first because it's only been a minute and I've already managed to forget that I still need to put makeup on. I just nod and look to Shirley for directions.
"Oh of course! Go into the hallway in the back right there, down the hallway and to the left, and take your time," Shirley beams.
Mom hands me her purse which has a couple of makeup products in it for me to use and I leave them to talk.
"Oh and head over here when you come back, I don't want you getting lost, darling," Shirley hollers as I head into the depths of the mansion.
After giving her a quiet 'ok', I listen to the clicks and clacks that my heels make on the tile floor. They echo down the hollow hallways where dozens of portraits and family photos are hung along the wall. I also look into each room that becomes unveiled by a wide archway. The offices have heavy, expensive desks with drawers that have locks, dozens of bookshelves and filing cabinets, and gigantic computer monitors. The living room has huge, antique couches with floral patterns on them, end tables with old lamps on top, and coffee tables dressed with flowers in fragile vases. The rooms all turn from tile into Victorian patterned carpet too.
I eventually run into the bathroom that I was told to go to and take refuge within it. The light from the hallway is essential for me to search for the light switch, and I manage to find it right next to the door after missing it for ten whole seconds. When I see the light turn on, I shut the door and lock it before observing the entire room.
Like…why?
There's a fireplace in here with a TV above it, a bathtub carved into the giant cube of granite right in the center of the room, two alcoves to the right of it that have mirrors made of gold and brass sinks within, and a shower with sliding glass doors. Then, right next to the shower, is a door that leads to a toilet. Seriously who needs a bathroom like this?
Whatever, I'm just here to put on makeup. I walk up to the mirror and unzip my mom's purse, lathering on as little makeup as possible. I don't want there to be too much, so I cautiously place it on my ocular regions. At the same time, I begin thinking about how I should act tonight. Maybe it's a good idea to stay quiet for Johnny's dad so that I don't end up saying something bad. Maybe that will make him at least a little interested in me because I'll just become a mystery in his eyes. Oh but my parents or Shirley are probably going to try and include me in every conversation and make me talk. What if Johnny's dad asks me about my hobbies or why it is that I originally wanted to become a Scarer? I can't just say that I draw when I'm bored, and that I wanted to become a Scarer because my dad wanted to. Saying those things will only make me seem boring and uninteresting, especially since I have reptilian blood and lack the blood of legitimate Scarers. At the same time, if I try to make myself seem interesting, I'll dig myself into a whole that will only end in turmoil. I'll have to lie about things or act my way through the rest of my life just to be accepted by him. Knowing Johnny, he won't let me do that, or he'll get annoyed with it and decide that it's better if we go our separate ways because he would rather be with someone who can be themselves…But maybe that's a stretch.
Little did I know that I lost myself within the deep recesses of my mind. I have been in here for so long that I have no idea exactly how long I've been in here, but I would guess ten to fifteen minutes. Going into overdrive, I throw all the makeup I've put on into my mom's purse and zip it so they don't get lost. Within a second, I look into the mirror and decide that what I've done is perfect. I turn towards the bathroom door, open it, then flick the light switch off.
I dash down the hallway and hear as the voices of Shirley, my parents, and Johnny increase in volume. Hearing Johnny's voice is like a light in the dark. Everything became so stressful so quick that the only way I can feel soothed is via Johnny. Like Shirley directed, I cross the front foyer as quick as I can, heading to the family room and dining room. But right before I reveal myself, I find myself barreling towards the body of an enormous being wearing a black tuxedo and tie.
My snout smashes into them, causing me to yelp out in pain. I also feel my hair losing its weight and notice a blue glow flash for a second when the sting overwhelms my nose. After bringing my hands up to apply pressure to my nose, I look up and see an enormous red furred monster with horns that arch to the front of their head, then to the back. Oh dear…I seem to have bumped into Johnny's dad.
He looks down at me with wide eyes, as if he didn't know what he just saw. One could even say that he's disgusted at what just happened to the two of us and would like to get as far away from me as possible. There's also a possibility that's he's disgusted at what he saw happen to me.
"Are you two alright?" Shirley asks as she walks beside Johnny's father and grabbing his arm.
He doesn't say anything after looking to Shirley, so I give her an answer while rubbing my snout.
"Y-yeah…um…I r-ran into b-by accident," I whimper.
Shirley then pulls my hands off my snout and gives me a motherly examination. She has me turn my head to the left and right before finally letting go.
"You don't have a bloody nose, so you should be fine. How about you go sit with Jonathan while his father here goes to the restroom real quick," Shirley states with a smile.
She pushes Johnny's father past me before taking my hand and guiding me into the family room. I guess they've been waiting for me for a while.
Johnny's POV
It's still weird to be sitting at this dining room table again. The ROR house had a normal dining room table that fit about eight people. This one can fit about eighteen. It's made out of Hickory wood and has several candles stuck on vintage candlesticks. It makes the room feel like it's come straight out of some gothic novel. The candles aren't necessary though because there's a chandelier dangling peacefully above it. There's also a fireplace within the wall, a mirror above it, and floral wallpaper placed upon the trimmed wall. Many framed pieces of art are then hung in front of it. My mother really did make this dining room look like a palace dining room.
"I apologize, Jonathan. I wish I had the energy to deal with his behavior. Unfortunately my age is starting to catch up with me," My grandfather growls at the dinner table.
I told him about what happened the other day. He's both aggravated and unsurprised.
"Oh, have you finally succumbed to occasional naps and daytime television?" I joke.
"Hey, watch your mouth. I could still outperform you at 90," He playfully responds while pointing at me, "But seriously, If I even try to talk to your father about anything, he will push me away and say that he's too busy to even give me a minute of his time."
"Oh my. Does Shirley at least spend time with you?" Evelyn questions.
With Ronan looking angrily off to the side, my grandfather replies, "Why yes, I see her several times a week. She even takes the time to visit my wife and I after work every now and again just because she wants to."
Evelyn giggles. "She's so cute."
"Oof, don't say that in front of her, Ms. Everett, she'll throw a tantrum," My grandfather smiles.
As my grandfather and Evelyn continue enjoying each others company, and also drifting away from talking about my father, I observe Ronan a bit more. By simply looking at him, anyone could see that his fuse is starting to slowly burn away, and it's only a matter of time before he explodes. I think every time my father comes into the picture, both physically or in conversation, he loses more control of himself. Even though he and his family haven't been here for longer than thirty minutes, he's gotten quieter and quieter with every minute.
"I will say that Melody is the exact same way. Even though she's absolutely adorable, she'll become livid when she's called cute. Ronan usually has to hold her hands so she doesn't start punching us, and then she only gets more flustered," Evelyn laughs.
With his spiny, yellow colored tail swaying side to side, my grandfather chuckles heartily. "It's fun to mess with family like that isn't it?"
"Hehe, yes. I do enjoy being sadistic every now and again," Evelyn laughs back.
The laughing subsides when Ronan begins to grumble. "Speaking of Melody… she and Shirley are in the other room."
With that manifestation, I take a stand and walk towards the family room. However, like most of my interactions with Melanie, I run straight into the two of them. They're mere steps away from entering the dining room, and when they see me, they give me two different reactions. While my mother beams with happiness, Melanie jumps and pulls herself closer to my mother. She laughs in that soothing yet motherly tone and pushes her into my arms.
"Go take her to the table, I'm sure your grandfather's dying to meet her," Mother states.
Melanie and I then watch as she scurries off into the kitchen to deal with everything on her own again. I know that my father went to the restroom, but it wouldn't hurt him to prioritize some other things for once. I can't recall him ever washing dishes for that matter. Whatever, I have my own matters to prioritize.
"Is everything alright, Mel?" I ask while grabbing both of her hands and lifting them up as if she were a princess.
"Yeah…," She nods, "I, um, ran into your dad by accident before almost doing the same thing to you."
I can't help but laugh while turning around and guiding her into the dining room. "You run into us Worthington's a lot don't you?"
I can tell that my grandfather is already blown away when her beauty is finally exposed to him. So, I choose to have Melanie sit next to him tonight and bring her over.
"I wouldn't have it any other way! Having such a beautiful young lady run into you only makes others jealous you know," My grandfather says with a wink.
"Oh don't worry," I say while letting him take Melanie's hand and kiss the back of it, "I made it a habit."
Melanie's ears droop, and I can tell that her legs are shaking underneath the dress. She doesn't do well when she's the center of attention which we all know by now. Not one of us cares though. Evelyn's eyes are sparkling due to the happiness she's feeling for her right now. Ronan even looks to be the happiest he's been in years despite the lingering frustration towards my father.
"This is my grandfather, Mel. I believe I've told you about him several times," I say introducing him.
Melanie nods and takes her seat next to him. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't genuinely surprised that my grandfather isn't bothered by her cowardly nature. He had similar ideals that my father has currently, but they maybe they were much less extreme. It must have came down to pity and actively attempting to become something greater than the average monster. I guess I have similar ideals too though. I found myself looking down on those who weren't scary enough and separated them into different groups until Melanie showed me how bad that is. If I still held on to that view, I wouldn't even know her anymore.
"I apologize if I've made you uncomfortable," My grandfather says charismatically, "I just so happen to be a monster who speaks his mind, and I see nothing but a brilliant young lady who should be treated like a Worthington. Her lovely parents should as well."
I walk behind Melanie and then take the seat to her left, which is right next to the end of the table where my father will be sitting.
"Heh, I'm not sure we would be comfortable enough to live like this. We haven't done nearly enough to deserve anything this grand," Ronan prattles.
"Oh but that's where we disagree, Sir Everett. A family as hardworking and selfless as yours deserves much more than this," My grandfather says while gesturing to everything around us, "I'll even refrain from speaking about the immeasurable amount of empathy, understanding, and patience you three have for everyone you ever meet. I mean, no girl has ever had any of that for my grandson ever since he left middle school."
"Hey!" I growl, "I'm not that bad!"
"Aaahh, but that's where I disagree again. You forget that I know the Williams family all too well, and never hear the end of Carrie Williams stories she tells her grandmother. You're always taking people on emotional journeys, Jonathan, and yet Melanie here has the strength and perseverance to deal with them," My grandfather quips.
With her back straight, impressive posture, and gentle presence, Melanie can't control her laughter and snickers while covering her mouth.
"Oh man, she even sits with grace and has etiquette. How in the world did you find this one, Jonathan? She's one in a trillion," My grandfather questions playfully.
I roll my eyes and scoff. "Like I already said, we've made it a habit to run into each other. Mmm, well, she ran into someone else and I happened to be there."
My mother escapes from the kitchen with a stack of salad plates in her arms and carries them to us. She begins with my grandfather, gently placing the heavy, white plate down in front of him and then onto Melanie and so forth.
"Well then aren't you lucky. If you weren't there then maybe that mysterious young fellow would have taken her instead," My grandfather jokes.
"Wasn't he a drunk mess on a bike though?" Ronan chimes in.
"Yep. The kid nearly ran her over," I sigh.
While my mother returns to the kitchen, my grandfather chuckles once more before holding Melanie's hand and placing it on the table as a way to show that she's safe and has nothing to worry about. "Then that's another reason you all should live like Worthington's, to find safety from the wild world we live in."
"Ugh, what are you on about old man?" My father says as he enters the dining room, heading towards his seat at the end of the table.
How ironic. Here's comes the reason as to why Melanie wouldn't be safe here.
"…Excuse me?" My grandfather scowls.
I consciously move my eyes away from my father and look to Evelyn and Ronan as discreetly as possible. Those smiles that were lighting up the room have consequently disappeared. My father walks behind Melanie's parents and pulls out the chair at the end of the table before sitting. He also ends up lying back against the chair while crossing his arms before glaring at us with his unfriendly face.
"I can hear you screaming across the house and it makes no sense," My father sighs, "Nobody gets anything unless they work for it. That's reality."
My mother shows herself once again, but this time with some of her special wine glasses she only brings out on special occasions. She sets them all in front of us while asking what everyone would like to drink. Everyone but Melanie requests some wine. She just asked for water…and I couldn't be more proud. Like before, my mother moves back into the kitchen, leaving the rest of us to talk…maybe.
"Grr, I'm not doing this tonight, son. You know what, why don't you go help Shirley bring everything out?" My grandfather asks in rebuttal to my fathers disrespectful outburst.
In response, my father scoffs before crossing his arms and leaning back as if he were a rebellious teenager being scolded by their parents. "She's a big girl. She can do it by herself. If you want someone to help her, then why don't you do it?"
"And spill them after putting them on my back to carry? No thanks. I'll also have you know that we're all guests here and this is supposed to be your one opportunity at making a good impression," My grandfather hisses back.
Suddenly, Ronan makes a sharp inhale before speaking. "I'm sorry, is there something you all should talk about before we eat? Would it be better for us to move to the other room while you sort that out?"
The hearty laugh of my grandfather returns, which subsequently makes Melanie's smile return. When she smiles, I smile, and everything feels like it's going back on track again.
"No no. I apologize. My son here just had a rough week at work, especially since Mr. King has given him some lengthy lectures about various matters," My grandfather responds.
"Oh yeah, how did that go by the way?" I ask with piqued curiosity.
"Horribly. Don't ask again," My father snaps back.
Ok, damn. It's not like you brought that upon yourself or anything.
"Anyways, he's just in a mood today, but it won't ruin the night, right?" My grandfather elucidates by taking everyone's attention and while looking at my father.
"Correct!" My mother beams, popping out of nowhere with bowls of the winter salad she made.
It's ironic because it's summer. Maybe she's missing the cold weather, or maybe she believes this certain kind of salad goes along with the wagyu beef.
"Tonight's supposed to be about getting to know you Everetts after all!" My mother adds.
She takes a bottle of wine out from under her arm and pops the cork out. Seems like she's ready for dinner to begin, and thank god for that. Ronan and I were both starting to feel like anywhere else would be better without my father.
"Jonathan, would you pour everyone a glass? I'll go get Melanie her water and I'll be back for the first course," My mother asks.
"Of course," I reply while moving my chair back, "But why don't you just stay here while I bring everything out instead."
"Oh are you sure?" My mother questions.
"Yes ma'am. You can actually talk to Evelyn about baking this way," I say in an attempt to tempt my mother.
Luckily, that temptation was too much for my mother to control. She immediately took a seat opposite from my grandfather, next to Ronan. Then the bombardment of questions about baking and cooking in general began while I poured everyone a glass of wine like a professional. Evelyn and Ronan were very surprised when my mother mentioned that we were having Wagyu Beef tonight along with Watermelon Gazpacho. Everyone got their share of the winter salad, which everyone enjoyed. However, when it came to the other two dishes, Evelyn, Ronan and Melanie admitted that it wasn't the most comfortable meal they've even had, but it was something they've always dreamed about trying. Aside from the main course, apparently my mother burnt the Rose-Apple tart she was preparing, so there wouldn't be any dessert unless they wanted her to make something quick at the end.
"Aww…not the tart," Ronan sighs.
"I knoooow, I was so upset too, but there was just too much to do at once and I forgot about it. That was the closest I've been to burning the house down in years," My mother blushes as she puts her hands on her cheeks.
"But that's alright. It just means you can start all over and make something different. Why don't Melanie and I join you and make something similar…How about a homemade caramel apple tart? All we need are apples, caramel sauce and cinnamon," Evelyn proposes.
The giddiness from my mother becomes almost embarrassing. "Oh that's brilliant! We'll all be like those adorable young children in those Christmas television shows!"
I have no idea what that meant. I don't know if I've ever seen a TV show where kids eat a caramel apple tart, but then again, I haven't watched cable in years. Maybe she's referring to those corny Hallmark soap operas or something.
"I'm sure it'll turn out great. You and Melanie are culinary geniuses aren't you?" My grandfather asks, "And this Wagyu is brilliant Shirley, you should make this more often."
"Oh thank you! I unfortunately can't say it would be better than what Evelyn would make. Jonathan has told me how nothing can compare to her food," My mother praises.
Laughing alongside my mother, Evelyn takes a bite of the Wagyu beef before continuing the conversation. "It was all I had for many years. While Ronan was out working, I had to learn how to make whatever I made worth coming home for."
"And what was it that Ronan did for work again?" My mother asked.
"Door Repair, Quantum Mechanics Monitoring, and other general maintenance," Ronan chimes in, "Most of my time was spent at Scream Industries for an arguably unfair wage."
"Unfair? They don't pay well for that position?" My mother asks.
"No. I don't think anyone else in that position has ever been paid more than $25 an hour," Ronan responds seriously.
"And so you wanted to become a Scarer?" My father asks.
"Well who doesn't want to become a Scarer?" I answer, "It's the one part of life we all pride ourselves on. Even someone like Melanie wanted to become one."
"It's still shocking that you got a position less than a year after entering college. Companies never even reach out until you have a bachelor's degree," My mother praises.
Without even a second of silence, my father has a response that never should have left his mouth. "That's because it's destructive to just hire nobodies off the streets as Scarers. People wouldn't be happy knowing that their way of life is in the hands of the uneducated and I'm sure none of you would be happy with that either. Consider yourself lucky that King even offered you anything, Miss Everett."
Well that was an incredibly rude thing to say. Melanie did get several recommendations from certified Scarer's positioned at three of Monstropolis' best Scaring Companies. She was also tested like all the rest of us but couldn't continue because of external issues out of her control.
"Do you talk like this to everyone you meet, son?" My grandfather asks with a frown.
My father just chuckles, making his thick red fur bounce with each subsequent, vertical movement. "I'm sorry, is that not the truth?"
"Ugh, just eat your food," My grandfather grunts in response.
Fortunately he listens and keeps quiet for another long while. My mother asks about the rest of Melanie's family and learns all about her aunts, uncles, and little cousins. She evens learns about their dream of opening a candy shop, which also happened to be new to me. It sounds like a wholesome dream because of the story behind it. Evelyn then switches the focus over to my mother. Everyone in my family knows that she would like to expand her fashion brand into a bridal line because of her obsession with weddings.
"My only real attempt at a bridal dress was Melanie's dress actually. I made it years ago while trying to be quirky and different, but obviously nobody cared for it," My mother smiles.
I mean…I cared for it, but maybe that's because it matched Melanie's personality and overall…vibe? It just had this ethereal yet daunting look that reminded me of her.
"But having Melanie wear my dress gave me an even better idea! Jonathan told me about how she wishes to create a scaring style similar to Carina Kennedy, so I was thinking about designing all sorts of dresses that aid her in her Scaring. If Melanie becomes a Scaring sensation while wearing my dresses, then the world will have its first 'scary' fashion line! She'll be an icon for teenage girls! Ooo it's gets me so excited!" My mother continues.
"Wait… that's actually not a bad idea. Didn't Carina Kennedy like to wear dresses that made her look like a harlequin clown or ghost bride?" My grandfather questions
"Yes!" My mother shouts, "I already have so many ideas! It gives me room to be quirky and different without having to conform to basic fashion rules!"
I look to Melanie and she's silently sinking into her seat, blushing uncontrollably.
"How about it, Mel? She'll only make you look scarier," I pry.
"U-um, s-sure. As long as it doesn't interfere with your business," She answers quietly.
With that everyone has finished their main course. Every plate has been wiped clean and my mother is praised even further by my grandfather and Melanie's parents. Melanie and I give her some compliments as well, but my dad just sits back and says nothing. Everyone apparently wants dessert though, so the plan to make Caramel Apple Tart moves into full force and my mother doesn't even bring up that my father is being disrespectful.
"Come on girls, I'm going to need help slicing the applllleeees!" She sings.
"And make sure not to burn it this time," My father sighs, "I'm not going to have my time wasted just for some sweets."
Melanie's excitement leaves her body and is replaced by even more nervousness. Regardless of how she feels, she works up the courage to move along with our mothers, and the three ladies vanish from sight. Deep into the depths of the kitchen, they'll work tirelessly to create whatever it is that will satisfy our sweet tooth's.
While they wipe off my father's extremely discourteous comment, I dream about throwing my fist into his eye socket. This man deserves to learn a lesson about being a good person in a very violent manner, but I know that doing so will only result in even more disaster. I can tell that Ronan feels the same. He sits calmly but with a menacingly intimidating aura. His arms look more withered than they usually do, and his composure looks like that of an upper class citizen. He's changed, and it's all because of my father's inability to hold his tongue.
Out of nowhere, when the ladies are no longer within earshot, Ronan finally speaks. "Do you love your family, Junior?"
Wait who's…oh he's talking to my father. It seems that even he was confused before realizing that he was just called the one thing he absolutely hates. My grandfather is even taken aback and has no reaction other than to stare at Ronan in disbelief. Maybe he's rethinking his opinion of him.
"Excuse me? You don't just get to call me that, Everett," My father counters aggressively by putting emphasis on Ronan's last name.
"Oh no, I believe I do. I see nothing more than a pitiful old man who doesn't understand the inner workings of family. To me, you're just a brat who never outgrew the dreariness of living in vanity and uses that to become the world's most pathetic narcissist. In your mind, nobody is better than you. You're always right, everybody else is wrong. Things had better go the way I want them to, and if they don't then everyone else had better be ready to feel the wrath of my baby-raged temper tantrum. If something bad happens to someone, then that's on them, they don't deserve any sort of empathy or understanding. Any criticism equates to jealousy and those who dish it out should be shunned. Oh and let's not even mention the blatant controlling nature you have this household. I'm sorry, but I will never say 'Mr.' or 'Sir' to such a horrible monster like yourself," Ronan rants.
My father is stunned just like my grandfather except he's silently seething in his chair. His brows are furrowed and the rage behind his eyes is begging to be released, but it's his never ending need to be 'civilized' that keeps it from escaping.
"Anyways, since your derisive nature has once again destroyed the atmosphere of this glorious dining room, I'll just come out and say it. You are an absolutely disgusting monster in every way, shape and form. Having them slave away to please your every whim, placing such crippling expectations upon them to feed your gluttonous goal of obtaining more power, and slowly teaching them to become just like you…It's beyond horrid. If I were Shirley, I would have saved everyone in this god-forsaken world the trouble and pledged to erase you from every memory I had," Ronan attacks emotionlessly.
"Well if I were you, I would think about shutting my mouth. We wouldn't want to lose the ability to speak now would we?" My father threatens.
Ronan doesn't even hesitate coming up with a rebuttal. "Ooooooh you would just love to be able to act on that wouldn't you? But we all know that everything you have stored in that fragile body is nothing more than an empty threat. After all, you're just a weak little boy who never even learned how to actually fight. I shouldn't even have to mention that someone like you, while scaring, would have panicked, run away into the wilderness and died a slow and painful death after coming within ten feet of an adult human. That's alright though, Junior, you're lucky that you had all the resources available to keep that from happening in your short career of no consequences."
My father growls violently before pounding his fist once on the dining room table. "Say one more word and I'll kill you!"
Ronan's serious composure suddenly relaxes, and he begins laughing coldly and calmly. It's…creepy. If the girls were to peek out of the kitchen and look at him, they would just think we're having a good time with no questions asked.
"Hahahahahahaaaaa."
He runs out of breath but inhales intensely before returning to laughing. "Hahahahaa."
Ronan's voice reverberates down the empty hallways. I can feel goosebumps forming underneath my fur, and the innate instinct to just get up and find solace within another room consumes me. The laughter finally stops though, and that unexpected change in atmosphere eventually freezes again. The weight of it all rests upon our shoulders, and we now see Ronan taking a stand and leaning forward across the table to glare directly into my father's eyes. "You sure you want to try that? In case you haven't guessed… I've killed many monsters in my youth, and adding one more to that count means nothing to me."
The three of us break. The hollow space behind those eyes only tells us that he's speaking the truth. The longer we stare into them, the more it sounds like the screams of those who were once standing tall are reaching out in hopes of changing the ends they were given by this man.
With an unexpected flash of light, the blue wolven monster with two straight horns, pitch black eye sockets, and a spiky mane, turns into an abomination that has remained unseen to the living for god knows how long. I remember Melanie telling me about this before I graduated, and how it felt like there was no feasible way to talk about this…and I understand now. People think that we Worthington's are the embodiments of the devil…but the Everett's, at least on Ronan's side, are on a completely different spectrum.
Ronan's fur has turned vantablack but still has a couple streaks of sapphire blue within. His horns have become cracked and glow white underneath, his paws have become webbed, his mane floats like Melanie's and contains long, black tendrils that sway in the air and extending towards my father. There's also aqua blue eye patterns similar to a peacock's all around him that seem to be moving…shaking even.
My grandfather shows concern for our safety but doesn't dare move at the sight of Ronan, while my father has to maintain a death grip on the arms of his chair, leaning back as far as he can, turning his head away as Ronan's tendrils move closer to him. I want to say I have no reaction, but I would be lying. I jump in my chair and decide it's best to look away as if I were about to be caught in Medusa's gaze. It's like Melanie said…she wasn't supposed to see this…and neither were we.
The air around suddenly vibrates a little before turning into whispers. The whispers' reverberate like someone saying something in reverse, and then we realize that this is what happens before Ronan speaks in his 'special' form. If that wasn't enough, Ronan's voice has changed. It's turned into a raspy and whispery voice.
"Y-you killed…people?" I stutter while looking out the dining room windows.
Ronan's head jerks over to me along with those tendrils, and I see nothing but a neon blue glow slowly seeping down his face like glue within my peripheral vision.
"Why yes, but it was more or so because of survival. It's what our family has been doomed to doing since before Scare Factories were created. Nearly thirteen centuries of fighting to survive in two worlds that don't want us," Ronan replies, "That is until I was fifteen, when my own father saved us from damaging society any further."
Ronan slowly leans back down into his chair.
"I'm sure you know about my relationship with my dad, Jonathan. You even saw me spend all day with him when you visited during Christmas. That was because he the only person I could really trust. He was my hero. And just like everyone in our family, he was taken too soon," Ronan elucidates.
"L-like everyone?" I ask, hoping that this doesn't apply to Melanie.
"Yes. About 99% of all Monsters will live past the age of 180 years…but we Everett's only live to about 70 or 80. Then there was my dad who was only in his 60's. Why you might ask? It's because we always succumb to the worst possible diseases monster-kind could experience due to poor quality of life. Tuberculosis, Smallpox, Bubonic and Pneumonic Plague, Cancer, Hydratitis, Alzheimer's, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Apraxia, Heart Attacks…Strokes…It's a death sentence being an Everett. Pair that with the fact that we're 'weak,' or 'unreliable,' or 'not scary enough,' and you've got a family that can't afford to live healthy for as long as they live."
"Ok and that gives you the right to lash out at me?" My father asks.
Ronan grunts but then sighs and takes a deep breath.
"My dad, Ambrose, told me about it all countless times when I was a kid, before any of my siblings were born. Before Scaring was even a thing, we were outcasted because we had no education. We were too dumb on top of being the things I listed before. In regards to my dad, he grew up with parents who didn't care about his education, safety, or health simply because they were too busy surviving on their own. He recalled being sent to schools with the worst curriculums imaginable that it left him doing fifth grade work in high school. He was also the son of two murderers, content on killing those with financial power and using it to empower a domestic terrorist group that I'm sure you may of heard of in school. My own grandparents were none other than the masterminds behind The Nevermore, and they trained my dad to eventually be initiated into it. After nearly 30 murders that were reported on by public news stations, hundreds of 'missing persons' that weren't exactly missing, and many nights of watching my grandparents blast themselves full of drugs or alcohol, he eventually turned to running away. He lived in the sewers for nearly two years before he found himself being able to go to college to become a Scarer. But as you can guess, he was doomed from the start. He failed his first Scaring exam."
"This doesn't answer my question, Everett!" My father growls.
Ronan growls but decides against more violence. I can sense that he wants to be better than my father, which I'm happy about. It also seems like a different approach to Ambrose too. However, that doesn't keep him from giving my Father threatening glares.
"As I was saying, my dad learned quickly from his time at Monsters University that people despised him. The professors looked at him like he was better off dead because he could barely read or write, even though he legally had a high school diploma due to the cities lack of concern for anything other than money. The other students were scared of him because he truly was terrifying which was apparent just by looking at him. Even when he needed guidance from some sort of professionals, they would either turn him away due to lack of money or genuine disbelief in that 'someone as young and scary as him couldn't possibly be in need of psychological or financial help.'"
My dad, with a loss for words, refrains from interrupting again. It's probably because he, just like my grandfather and I, understand the point of this story.
Ronan never stopped explaining though. "So he went back to the only thing he knew: Crime. While his parents and the rest of The Nevermore were destroyed from the inside out by the military, my father joined another street gang and vowed to make a better life for himself while also trying to kill as little as possible. He stole from countless monsters, and he did it so much that he unintentionally ended up teaching me how to do it after I joined his gang just to spend more time with him. We stole so much that we became an urban myth in Cormeadow, and if anyone tried to put an end to it, he would off them, take their stuff and provide those who were poor with an equal share of their resources so that they could survive. Then a rival gang tried to kill us for the gains we obtained. Oh…so much death."
Ronan then lifts his hand out and shows us that some aqua blue goo is about to drip off his pointer finger and onto the table.
"After seeing someone threaten my life, he became an entirely new being that was hell-incarnate. I watched as the flames within him slowly burned brighter. He picked up so many of them only to spit fire and melt off whatever it was they had to show the world. I watched as he thrusted his razor sharp claws into the throats of them all as if they were keys to locks. I watched as limbs bounce off walls and onto the floor, painting everything around them crimson…and to make sure he didn't get overrun by them all, I had to spit…scratch…bite…cry…and see the monsters who were just as desperate as us shriek in agony as their tears fell, blood evaporated and organs failed at the touch of my poison.
Ronan pushes the claw of his pointer finger down with his thumb and the aqua blue goo lands onto his empty glass of water. The glass turns into liquid, bubbling at its touch, and ceasing to exist within a matter of five seconds.
"More potent than sulfuric acid. More potent than fluoroantimonic acid. More potent than Piranha Solution," Ronan adds, "After that, my dad told me to keep this all a secret. To act completely oblivious to everything that happened to live normally, and that worked for the most part. I'm grateful for my dad for giving me a life that doesn't mirror his, and somehow in some way, he was able to make it so that nobody in Cormeadow even knew who we are or what we could do. Unlike you, we were so scary that we disappeared in plain sight." He states as aqua blue goo begins seeping out of his eyes, ears, and mouth.
With quick thinking, I speak up to try and move Ronan's attention away from my father. I feel like if this is to continue, then Ronan might actually follow through with killing him.
"But doesn't Melanie know?" I asked.
"Mmmmm…yes. She's smarter than she looks. But I don't think she realized that I could see her peeking through the door in the mirror, let alone smell her, hear her heartbeat, and notice small changes in my environment…like how I left my bedroom door closed that day. Now I'm learning that she's showing off her own version of this curse we Everett's carry on our shoulders. I'm sure you understand what I'm talking about, Junior. You only saw it just a short while ago," Ronan explains.
When I look over at my father, I see something that I never thought I would see. He's completely lost all the toughness he's solidified within him over the years. He's showing my grandfather and I that he's finally found some monsters that he's genuinely scared of… and that he isn't actually fearless himself.
Ronan leans back and stares at the chandelier above us. "I'm not the one you should be worrying about though. I only hope that your absolutely atrocious behavior doesn't set her off one day. It only gets worse when we grow up. At first it's something cool, but then it turns into something we have to hide. Even though I've only heard descriptions of what she's like, I can only assume she'll become scarier than you ever would be. There may even be a day where whenever she turns into that banshee… She'll lose everything but bone, grow longer and sharper claws, and have her scales flake off as if it were dust on an untouched surface before losing all memory and letting anger get the better of her. She won't just be an idea in a child's imagination like the scaring program wanted her to be, she'll instead be a mythological creature that terrorizes the human world for centuries to come…all the while you, Junior, just sit here forgotten and unheard of within another few decades. What a waste."
Ronan then clears his throat. "Listen here. If there's ever a moment where I catch you belittling my daughter, your son, your wife, your father, or me ever again, you had better run for the fucking hills and pray to whatever god you worship that I won't find you. Everyone who has even mentioned your name has pointed me in the direction of remorselessly tearing each vein from your revolting body…Or even letting you experience the worst poison known to monster kind. I will do everything in my power to give us all a life where we feel safe, happy, and appreciated…because after all the work my father did for it and finally getting a taste of it these past few years, I refuse to give it up just because you're obsessed with your super fragile bloodline. If you won't step up and act like a role model, a father, or a husband in this abysmal wasteland of a world, then I'll do what it is that my father and I were good at. I'll take away all you hold dear within one night. Your sanity, your finances, and your life. Because what you've shown me tonight is that this family would be better off without you. You don't deserve your son's success, you don't deserve your wife's incessant attempts at loving you, and you don't deserve to be within fifty feet of your own father's legendary presence. You're nothing but a laughable disappointment, and I'm sure everyone who's ever worked for you, let alone heard that you exist, thinks so too."
I don't even feel safe looking at Ronan anymore either. There was always something in the back of my mind that bothered me about him. Ever since the day I met him I felt like there was something terrifying about him, and now I've been shown the colors that lie beneath his incredibly well hidden mask.
Another flash of light blinds us and we see Ronan the way we originally knew him. His voice has returned to normal, the vantablack fur has been replaced by the normal blue fur, and the tendrils have disappeared. Most importantly, there's no longer those aqua blue eyes staring at us any longer. All that lingers is the remaining aqua blue goo that's slowing dripping down his face.
"I apologize for ruining the rest of the night Mr. Worthington Senior, same to you Jonathan. I understand that I have been very disrespectful, uncomfortable, and callous. I will wait out in the car for my daughter and wife. And also, for the future, I do not wish to see or speak to the child sitting to my right ever again…that is unless he decides to grow up," Ronan states while standing up and then taking his leave.
The blue wolf navigates his way to the archway that leads him to the family room, the front foyer, and then out the door which lets us know he's left with a couple clicks. Afterwards, I'm able to look up from the table and find that my grandfather is stuck glaring at my father whom of which has his head drooping down while wearing an absolutely devastated look.
"I-I'm sorry, son, but everything he said is true. You've been nothing but an absolute nightmare since Little Jonathan was born…and I don't know where I went wrong to make you feel like you could ever act like that," My grandfather says to my father.
"…All I wanted was respect… and to help you make a life for yourself, Jonathan. Even after learning all there was to learn from your grandfather, I was still laughed at for not being good enough. If I wasn't the perfect Scarer, the perfect businessman, the authoritarian figure…then everything I did was wrong and worthy of punishment," My father replies.
I hear a sigh arise from my grandfather. "Son…all you did was scream at your mother and I after disappearing for days on end. You barely went to school, and almost didn't even graduate high school. Then it was time for you to inherit Fear Company and you didn't take the job seriously until Monsters Inc became the number one factory in the world. When Shirley miraculously married you, and nothing had changed, we hopelessly gave up trying to teach you how to be a good monster. After all the years, how have you still not realized that it's you, your motivations, and attitude that's the problem? I mean, you even tried to completely control my grandson's life by forcing him to marry a girl he would never like or understand."
"…I understand…But I want you two to understand how much it hurt to be considered a failure by everyone I knew…I never wanted that to happen to you, Jonathan," My father responds melancholically.
Even after all we've been through, I can appreciate him saying that. It's just that we come to a point in our relationship where he couldn't possibly receive any empathy from me.
"I'm sorry, but you won't receive any forgiveness from me," I say softly, "Ever since elementary school I've been doing perfectly. Straight A's, making friends, having fun, and taking everything in my life seriously…I'm not like you…I never have been."
"…Yeah…," My father responds before standing up and heading for the front foyer, "I'll be in bed if anyone needs me."